China & Vassalboro presidential primary results

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China Town Clerk Angela Nelson reported the following results from Tuesday’s primary election.

Two hundred and two Democratic votes were cast, with Joseph R. Biden, Jr., receiving 164, or 81 percent. Dean B. Phillips got 19 votes; declared write-in candidate Stephen P. Lyons got 17; and two ballots were left blank.

On the Republican side, 461 ballots were cast, 358 (78 percent) for Donald J. Trump. Nikki R. Haley got 91 votes (20 percent). Trailing well behind were Ron DeSantis with four votes; Vivek G. Ramaswamy with three; blank ballots and write-ins with two votes each; and Ryan L. Binkley with one vote.

Nelson called the 663 votes “a lower than normal turnout for China,” but, she said, “it was a nice steady flow all day.” Unexpected visitors included Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and a reporter from Channel 6 News, who stood outside the polling room under an umbrella.

* * * * * *

Vassalboro town clerk Cathy Coyne reported 523 presidential primary ballots cast in that town, 367 Republican and 156 Democratic.

Donald J. Trump got 284 Republican votes (77 percent), followed by Nikki R. Haley with 80 (22 percent) and Vivek G. Ramaswamy with two. There was one blank ballot; no one voted for Ryan L. Binkley or Ron DeSantis.

Joseph R. Biden received 128, or 82 percent, of the Democratic votes. Dean B. Phillips received 14, and there were 14 blank ballots. No Vassalboro voter chose Stephen P. Lyons.

China GOP to caucus

There will be a Town of China Republican Caucus on Thursday March 14, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. The purpose of a Maine Republican town caucus is to elect delegates and a delegation chairman to the Maine Republican State Convention to be held April 26 and 27, 2024; to elect representatives to the Kennebec County Republican Committee; to elect the officers of the Town of China Republican Committee; and to review and ratify bylaws for the town committee. Republican candidates for state and local offices present will be given an opportunity to speak. Any registered Republican voter in the Town of China can participate. The caucus will convene in the portable building behind the town office at 6:30 p.m.

China select board reviews, amends 2024-25 budget

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by Mary Grow

China select board members spent another two hours March 4 reviewing and amending their draft 2024-25 town budget, in preparation for a budget committee meeting to be held March 5.

They recommended reductions in several accounts. Board chairman Wayne Chadwick expects a hefty tax increase and wants to minimize spending as much as possible.

However, board members realize that prices of many commodities and services essential to running the town have risen. For example, transfer station manager Thomas Maraggio told them the bill for changing the hydraulic oil in one of his machines is now $2,000.

Reductions agreed to at the March 4 session included:

— Eliminating Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood’s proposed new position of community recreation director and reducing the copier account by $1,000, saving $23,800 in the administration budget;
— Reducing the amount suggested in the public works budget for road sand and salt by $20,000;
— Deleting a $3,000 contribution to The Town Line newspaper; and
— Deleting a $100 contribution to the Maine Public Broadcasting Network.

Chadwick said select board members will review the budget committee’s recommendations before preparing a final budget to be submitted to China voters at the June 11 annual town business meeting.

China planners refer solar ordinance back to town attorney

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by Mary Grow

China planning board members prepared for future action on two issues on their Feb. 27 agenda.

After considering questions about the draft Solar Energy Systems Ordinance raised at the Feb. 26 select board meeting, they referred the document back to town attorney Amanda Meader, asking her to recommend different language for one section.

Select board member Brent Chesley called the section confusing and misleading. Everyone realizes Meader charges for her time, but, planning board member Michael Brown opined, “It’s worth a little more money to get it right.”

Board members scheduled a March 12 public hearing on the application for a community solar farm in a gravel pit off Windsor Road (Route 32 South) (see the Feb. 22 issue of The Town Line, p. 3). Project managers Nick Lacasse, of Perennial Sand Pit Solar, in Hallowell, and Andrew Johnston, of Freeport-based Atlantic Resource Consultants, were present.

Board chairman Toni Wall thanked them for providing a complete application by “sending mega-materials” and updates that board members requested at their Feb. 13 meeting. Lacasse and Johnston replied to board member Elaine Mather’s questions about one document in the lengthy application.

Wall said it is likely the board will act on the application on March 12, after the hearing.

Codes officer Nicholas French said there are tentatively two other items on the March 12 agenda: continued review of Chris Harris’s application for a subdivision off Route 3 (see the Nov. 2, 2023, issue of The Town Line, p. 3); and an application for timber cutting in a resource protection zone off Lakeview Drive.

French said he continues to remind residents running small businesses from their homes that they need a home occupation permit. The application process is simple and not expensive, he said.

The March 12 planning board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., either in the town office meeting room or in the former portable classroom behind the office building. Wall said the public hearing will be early on the agenda.

CHINA: Organizations answer questions about budget requests

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Hikers on Bridge in Thurston Park (Photo courtesy: Town of China)

by Mary Grow

China select board members discussed the 2024-25 budget for much of their Feb. 26 meeting, and scheduled another meeting for 6 p.m. Monday, March 4, to continue the topic.

At this stage, they are reviewing Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood’s recommended figures and requests from various committees, organizations and other recipients of town money. They will forward the resulting draft budget to the budget committee for its members’ input.

Final decisions will be made by voters at the annual town business meeting, scheduled as a secret ballot vote on Tuesday, June 11.

More than a dozen town employees and residents attended the Feb. 26 meeting, most to answer select board members’ questions about budget requests.

Select board members are interested in minimizing the tax increase they foresee for the 2024-25 fiscal year. Preliminary proposals to reduce spending in the draft budget included cutting anticipated tipping fees for demolition debris disposal (from the transfer station section of the budget) and cutting the contribution to the fire departments’ capital reserve fund (public safety).

China Village fire chief Joel Nelson said he foresees two major expenses, replacing air packs and repairing or replacing the fire station roof. He is seeking grants, with no guarantee of success.

Select board members deleted the stipends for themselves they had tentatively approved at an earlier meeting. They reduced that line (in the boards and committees section of the budget) from $12,500 to Hapgood’s recommended $1,500 for training and similar expenses.

A request for Thurston Park funding, also in the boards and committees account, drew the longest and hottest debate of the evening.

Select board chairman Wayne Chadwick opposed the $12,675 Jeanette Smith, chairman of the Thurston Park Committee, requested for supplies and maintenance.

Chadwick, while appreciating the enthusiasm of the volunteers who support and maintain the park, questioned the value of the area, which he said many China residents cannot even locate.

Smith said the park brings recreationists to China, where they are likely to spend money in local establishments. If the park is not well known, that is because town officials do nothing to promote it, she said.

Selectman Wayne Chadwick said on his most recent visits to Thurston Park he met no one. Thurston Park Committee member Scott Monroe said he meets families in Thurston Park.

Chadwick said on his most recent visits to Thurston Park he met no one; and he prefers the unmaintained trails at Lake St. George State Park. Thurston Park Committee member Scott Monroe said he meets families in Thurston Park, and prefers maintained trails.

Chadwick made a motion to cut $10,000 from the Thurston Park appropriation. Board member Janet Preston amended the reduction to $2,500. Preston’s amendment was approved, supported by herself, Blane Casey and Jeanne Marquis and opposed by Chadwick and Brent Chesley.

The motion to cut $2,500 was then defeated, with Preston and Marquis voting for it and Chadwick, Chesley and Casey opposed.

Casey’s motion to recommend $8,500 for Thurston Park under the boards and committees account was approved unanimously.

The revised total of $84,220 for the boards and committees account was unanimously recommended to the budget committee.

China’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) fund was the other budget line on which board members made final recommendations to the budget committee. They approved nine appropriations recommended by the TIF Committee at its Feb. 5 meeting (see the Feb. 8 issue of The Town Line, p. 2).

Select board members lacked information to act on three non-budget items on their Feb. 26 agenda.

Hapgood shared a draft of the proposed new Solar Energy Systems Ordinance. Chesley had questions, which planning board chairman Toni Wall said the planning board would address at its Feb. 27 meeting.

Hapgood said town attorney Amanda Meader has not finished preparing suggested revisions to the town’s Land Use Ordinance that will incorporate required parts of the new state housing law, LD 2003.

The manager is investigating a senior check in service as something the town might offer, but she needs more time to collect information. She described it as a program for which seniors could sign up to ask a town employee to call at intervals to make sure the resident was all right.

5th annual China Lake ice fishing derby huge success

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Anglers from the area came out for a fun day of fishing and camaraderie during the ice fishing derby. (photo by Cindy Senkbeil)

by Sandra Isaac

Left to right, China Four Seasons Club President Tom Rumpf, sponsor Deisel Dan and Trevor Yorke, winner of the Lunker of the Day prize. (photo by Cindy Senkbeil)

The China Four Seasons Club and the China Village Fire Department co-hosted the 5th Annual China Lake Ice Fishing Derby, on Sunday, February 18, during Maine’s Free Fishing Weekend.

“It was an amazing day of fun, families, and fishing,” said China Four Seasons Club President Tom Rumpf. “We were a little concerned about ice conditions, but everyone used caution and the Fishing Derby went off without the fire department doing a cold-water rescue.”

Rumpf continued. “We also had the children’s fishing division catch our greatest number of perch to date with over 140 brought to the fire house for counting.” The first-place award went to Blake Owens with 56 total perch. Perch, which have inundated hundreds of water systems where they don’t belong, tend to proliferate, stunt, and overwhelm ecosystems. Each year the derby committee checks in with the local biologists to make sure they are still able to hold the children’s category as described, with awards going to the most perch caught by count.

“One of the derby committee’s goals is to emphasize the importance of youth and family getting out and enjoying the great outdoors. This year we added a special prize, that any youth under 15 years of age who brought a fish to the firehouse caught during derby day was entered in drawing for a lifetime Maine residential fishing license to promote future sportsman. We are proud to say we gave our first lifetime license away this year to Daxton Carbollo,” said Rumpf.

Blake Owens (photo by Cindy Senkbeil)

The derby also saw a new record for the lunker of the day, the largest fish caught overall. Trevor Yorke managed to catch a 7.22 pound largemouth bass, beating the former record held by Jeremy Ross and his 6.375 pound catch.

“We also gave away over 56 door prizes all donated by great local businesses,” said Rumpf. “In fact, there were $10,000 worth of donated prizes and fishing awards. The local support is rather overwhelming, and we are very grateful.”

“There was also a great turnout for the Cornhole Tournament as well as the China Ice Day’s activities around town over the weekend. Even if fishing was not your thing, there was something for everyone. We really look forward to this every year and encourage all area groups to be involved”, said Rumpf. If anyone is interested in joining the committee, which also helps coordinate the China Ice Day’s weekend events, please check the China Four Seasons Club website for meeting dates and times.

The China Four Seasons Club maintains a dedicated Facebook page and a website to share information including a list of who won fishing prizes, door prizes, and sponsors.

Please visit https://www.facebook.com/China-Lake-Ice-Fishing-Derby or www.chinalakeicefishingderby.com.

Fishing Prize Winners!

Lunker of the Day – Trevor Yorke with a 7.22 lbs. Large Mouth Bass.

Brook Trout

First Place – Tim Farris 1.48 lbs.
Second Place – Ryan Hamel 1.25 lbs.
Third Place – Mathew Mann 1.06 lbs.

Brown Trout

First Place – Scott White 3.6 lbs.
Secnd Place – Bill Vanwicker 3.26 lbs.
Third Place – Lindsey Witwiki 3.14 lbs.

Large Mouth Bass

First Place – Jeffery Winslow – 5.92 lbs.
Secnd Place- Stephen Vose – 5.6 lbs.
Third Place – Shawn Grant – 5.52 lbs.

Small Mouth Bass

First Place – Brendan Surette – 2.74 lbs.
Secnd Place – Damon Theriault – 2.64 lbs.
Third Place – Abby Violette – 2.6 lbs.

Pickerel

First Place – Courtney Belanger – 4.58 lbs.
Second Place – James Grover Jr. – 4.1 lbs.
Third Place – Val Baker – 3.96 lbs.

Children 15 & under Category – Most Perch (White or Yellow)

First Place– $50 – Blake Owens with 56!
Second Place – $40 Taylor Arsenault with 26
Third Place – $30 Alexis Wentworth with 20
Fourth Place – $20 – Ellie Soule with 18
Fifth Place – $10 – Myles Bradley with 17

(photo by Cindy Senkbeil)

(photo by Cindy Senkbeil)

China planners hear plans for community solar farm

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by Mary Grow

At their Feb. 13 meeting, China planning board members heard preliminary plans for a community solar farm in a gravel pit off Windsor Road (Route 32 South) and, as expected, denied an application to convert a building on China Village’s Main Street to apartments.

The solar development is proposed by Perennial Sand Pit Solar, of Hallowell. The application was prepared by Atlantic Resource Consultants, of Freeport. Nichols Lacasse, from Perennial, and Andrew Johnston, from Atlantic, explained the project.

The 3,442 solar panels will be inside an existing gravel pit on the west side of Route 32 South, at least 800 feet from the nearest residence and shielded from public view by the pit walls.

Like other area solar installations, the panels will be inside a seven-foot-high chain-link fence, “wildlife-friendly” (which means a gap at the bottom sized to admit small animals, but not children, Johnston explained).

Access will be over the existing Pit Road. The 20-foot-wide entrance gate will be locked, with a Knox box to allow emergency personnel admission if needed.

The installation will not include water or a septic system. After construction is done, there will be little traffic, little noise and no lights, solid waste, odors, hazardous materials or other neighborhood disturbances.

Because the project is a community solar farm, local residents will be invited to buy in. Those who do will slightly reduce their monthly electric bills.

Planning board chairman Toni Wall listed other information applicants need to provide. If it is added in time for review at the Feb. 27 board meeting, she said the board could vote the application complete that evening and schedule a public hearing for the first March meeting, which should be Tuesday evening, March 12.

The other application considered Feb. 13 was from Carrol White, to convert the former Grange Hall in China Village to a four-unit apartment building (see the Feb. 1 issue of The Town Line, p. 3). Planning board members found the application was complete and the project meets all ordinance criteria except lot size, for which White needs a variance from the China Board of Appeals.

The finding was expected. White intends to ask for a Board of Appeals meeting.

If the variance is granted and the project approved, China Village resident Daniel Coleman intends to carry it through, he and White told the board in January.

Palermo rep., China members have amicable discussion on Palermo residents’ use of transfer station

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by Mary Grow

China transfer station committee members, including Palermo representative Robert Kurek, had an amicable discussion at their Feb. 13 meeting, even though one of the topics was whether Palermo residents will continue to have access to the China facility.

As Kurek, China Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood and committee members summarized the situation, the two towns are in the seventh year of a 17-year contract, written and approved by China town officials, that lets Palermo residents share the transfer station, provided that:

— Palermo pays China an $18,000 annual fee (with no adjustment for inflation);
— Palermo residents buy and use colored bags (the bag price is adjustable, and Hapgood and Kurek agreed on a formula in 2022), but they are not charged for tags, stickers or similar identifying devices; and
— Palermo and China residents pay the same fees for bulky waste, white goods, furniture and other items for which fees are charged.

Hapgood, alleging that Palermo residents have violated contract provisions, sent Palermo the required year’s notice to end the contract for cause. Palermo’s attorney replied in January; she disputed the alleged violations and said there is no cause.

Sitting side by side at the Feb. 13 meeting, Kurek and Hapgood sparred politely over the frequency and seriousness of violations and whether Palermo has done enough to track down offenders. Main complaints are Palermo residents’ refusal to use proper bags or pay fees. They have also been charged with lending their transfer station identification cards to people from other towns.

Kurek said Palermo officials track down reported violators. Hapgood said she and other China staff spend time chasing Palermo residents.

No one denied that China residents, too, sometimes violate transfer station rules and are rude to staff. Committee member James Hines suggested charging individuals with theft of services, instead of pursuing an issue between the two towns.

Are your stickers uncooperative?

China residents, is your new transfer station sticker on the bottom right corner of your windshield uncooperative? Wrinkles, crinkles, falls off?

You’re not alone.

At the Feb. 13 transfer station committee meeting, Director of Public Services Shawn Reed said he had the same problem, despite carefully following the instructions town office staff offered when he bought the sticker.

Reed said he ended up taping the sticker to a piece of cardboard and standing it in the correct corner. Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood said it’s okay to tape the sticker to the inside of the windshield, too.

Committee members suggested finding a new vendor who sells higher-quality stickers – if they don’t cost too much more.

Hapgood said she, Kurek and the two town attorneys have a meeting scheduled later this month.

The transfer station five-year plan for maintenance and improvements and the 2024-25 budget were the other main discussion topics.

Three items have been taken care of. Transfer station staffer Cheyenne “Cj” Houle said the new cover on the pre-crusher is installed and satisfactory (and paid for, Hapgood added). A recent $20,000 grant from the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will improve the composting area and fund the soon to be installed solar-powered lights in the free for the taking building.

Committee chairman Christopher Baumann recommended more publicity for the information that not everything can be left at the free for the taking building without paying the fee that is charged for furniture, computers and electronics and other items.

Transfer station users are charged for items for which the town pays disposal fees, regardless of how saleable they appear. Things that can be recycled or otherwise gotten rid of for free, like books and glassware, can be left without charge.

Hapgood suggested people use another alternative, especially for unneeded furniture: leave it at the end of the driveway with a “Free” sign.

Water quality remains an ongoing transfer station issue. Houle and Director of Public Services Shawn Reed said the well water has an unpleasant odor.

Reed explained that the well was drilled through ancient trash, because no one realized the landfill originally started at Alder Park Road, before moving north to create the now-capped trash mountain.

The water had been tested and ruled safe to drink, but last fall, DEP testing found PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination. Further information on remedies is pending.

Staff members wash their hands and clean equipment with the well water; they do not drink it.

Baumann described the transfer station staff as very professional and very polite and said the facility is well run. Kurek called it an asset to China.

Committee members scheduled their next meeting for 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 12.

CHINA: LS Power letter to China residents

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LS Power Grid Maine LLC, submitted this letter to the China select board on February 6, 2024:

Dear China Select Board:

On December 22, 2023, the Maine Public Utilities Commission terminated their procurement to develop a transmission line to connect renewable energy resources located in northern Maine (Aroostook County) to the ISO-New England electric grid (Docket No. 2021-00369), pursuant to the Northern Maine Renewable Energy Development Program (35-A M.R.S §3210-1). All of LS Power Grid Maine’s development efforts associated with the Aroostook Renewable Gateway Project have been suspended indefinitely.

You are receiving this letter because preliminary route options for the Aroostook Renewable Gateway crossed through your town and potentially impacted landowners residing in your town were notified about the project and were asked to provide feedback. The purpose of this letter is to notify town leaders that LS Power Grid Maine’s development of this project is not moving forward at this time and to request that town leaders help notify residents of this update. Pursuant to the Northern Maine Renewable Energy Development Program, the Commission has the authority to initiate a new procurement, which according to its termination order, it intends to do.

LS Power recognizes the importance of collaborating with communities to hear from landowners and concerned citizens on our plans and understand their concerns. We appreciate the feedback that we received and were committed to improving the potential routes based on the input from town, landowners, and other concerned citizens. If you have any questions, please call us at (207) 650-1398 or email us at info@lspgridmaine.com.

/s/ Jason Niven
Director, Project Development

China select board spends much time on new budget

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by Mary Grow

China select board members spent much of their Feb. 12 meeting going over the draft 2024-25 municipal budget. They gave Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood questions and comments about proposed expenditures, but made no decisions.

Before and after the budget review, board members considered other issues, voting on several.

Board chairman Wayne Chadwick began the meeting by presenting Hapgood with a plaque, “with greatest appreciation” for her 30 years of service to the town.

Resident Sheldon Goodine summarized the growth and activities of the Golden Agers, the senior citizens group that meets Wednesday mornings in the former portable classroom for games and socializing.

Goodine said by summer, the group is likely to have three dozen members each week. The bingo and cribbage groups have grown until there is room for only one more game table in the building, he said.

In 2023, Golden Agers went on two field trips, at a cost of almost $6,500, with the town contributing $2,101 and group members paying the rest. The first 2024 trip, to Isles of Shoals, is already being planned.

Goodine gave select board members two questions to think about: when the Golden Agers outgrow the portable building, where is their next meeting place? And could a bus and driver be provided for their field trips, so they would not have to arrange a rental?

A school bus is not the answer to the second question, Goodine said. The group used one for a trip to Fryeburg Fair and quickly learned that school bus seats are not designed for adults.

After receiving Goodine’s presentation with approval and thanks, board members:

— Accepted the highest of three bids for the no-longer-needed 2012 GMC Sierra 1500, $1,234.56 from Ken Dyer, Sr., of China;
— Appointed Tara Oxley China’s local health officer;
— Approved two financial reorganization recommendations from the auditor; and
— Accepted three recommendations from Hapgood to write off uncollectible personal property taxes from businesses no longer operating in town.

Board members postponed action on two draft ordinances. Hapgood said the town attorney is still reviewing the draft of new solar ordinance and draft amendments to the land use ordinance.

After a request for proposals to repair February 2023 water damage in the town office building got no responses six months ago, Hapgood is about to try again. Meanwhile, she said, the town’s insurance has paid $14,542.26.

Board member Janet Preston reported on a meeting with officials from Hannaford supermarkets, ReVision Energy and Kennebec Valley Council of Governments, among others, to discuss a town-owned electric vehicle charging station in Hannaford’s parking lot in South China.

Board member Jeanne Marquis suggested finding out if the installation could include electric bicycle charging.

The proposal is not close to a decision yet, Preston said. The application for a grant for a charging station is due in March.

Select board members spent about an hour talking about the 2024-25 budget. They skipped the proposed public works and transfer station sections, which total $1,860,800 and $681,825, respectively, until they invite Director of Public Services Shawn Reed to join the discussion.

The next regular China select board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m., Monday, Feb. 26.

On Tuesday, March 5, China polls will be open in the portable building from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. for the state presidential preference primary. Absentee ballots are now available, and will be through Feb. 29. The town office will be closed March 5.

Hapgood said budget committee meetings to review the proposed 2024-25 budget are not yet scheduled.

SMASH delivers exuberant performance in Monmouth

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From left to right, Peter Maxwell, as Orlando, Isla Granholm as Rosalind, and Mary Herman, as Celia. (photo by Eric W. Austin)

by Eric W. Austin

This past weekend, I was lucky enough to attend the opening night performance of the Southern Maine Association of Shakespearean Homeschoolers’ production of As You Like It at the Cumston Hall theater, in Monmouth.

The play is one of Shakespeare’s most accessible comedies and the plot rushes forward on the wings of witty dialogue, clever plot twists and engaging characters. Its story centers around young Orlando, played ably by Peter Maxwell, who exudes a youthful and relatable vulnerability appropriate to the character.

Peter Maxwell as Orlando and James Maxwell as Charles (contributed photo)

Orlando is the youngest son of recently deceased Sir Rowland de Boys. His older brother, Oliver, played by Jacob Sullivan, treats Orlando badly and withholds his inheritance and education. In an effort to escape from under his brother’s shadow and seek his own fortune, Orlando enters a wrestling match against an intimidating opponent, Charles. The play opens on this dramatic scene as Orlando faces off against Charles, played by James Maxwell, who embodies the brutish and haughty Charles with scary authenticity. Oliver prevails but attracts the attention of the villainous Duke Frederick, who has usurped the throne from his brother, Duke Senior. Fearing for his life, Orlando escapes to the nearby Forest of Ardenne.

Meanwhile, Rosalind, daughter of the exiled Duke Senior and niece of the evil Duke Frederick, attends the wrestling match and catches the eye of Orlando, who quickly falls for her, but Rosalind soon finds her own life in danger from her conniving uncle. She too flees to the forest, disguised as a man, along with her cousin, the lady Celia.

Rosalind is played by the talented Isla Granholm, and Celia by Mary Herman. The chemistry between the two is the highlight of the show, and they light up the theater whenever they are on stage together. The plot twists and turns from here, with Shakespeare’s dialogue and clever wordplay ensuring there is never a dull moment.

Left-to-right: Annie Herman, Mary Herman as Celia, Ethan Bean as Touchstone, and Isla Granholm as Rosalind (photo by Eric W. Austin)

The entire cast, under the capable direction of Sam Richards, captures the secret of delivering an entertaining small theater experience: they have fun with the material and that fun is infectious.

The costumes are bright and colorful, helping to make each character distinct and recognizable. The stage sets, though minimal, perfectly capture the scenes without getting in the way, and Director Richards smartly includes some extra narration to help the audience follow the action, although I found the actors’ excellent delivery meant this was rarely necessary.

The play itself contains some of the Bard’s most unforgettable lines, such as, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players”, uttered by the character of Jaques, played by Orrin Frederick. My favorite was a line proclaimed with comedic brilliance by Isla Granholm, as Rosalind: “Do you not know I am a woman? When I think, I must speak.”

Ethan Bean as Touchstone and Micah Wolf as Audrey (contributed photo)

The play is filled with witty lines like these, delivered with infectious exuberance by the young cast. Other notable performances include Ethan Bean as the jester, Touchstone, who has some of the best lines. Micah Wolf plays his love interest, Audrey, who, although a minor character, nevertheless manages to delight every time she appears and deserves special mention. Rachel Maxwell also dazzles with ethereal beauty in her role as Hymen, the goddess of marriage.

Overall, this was an excellent adaptation of one of Shakespeare’s best comedies, filled with witty banter, romantic hijinks, clever disguises and political intrigue. The historic Cumston Hall, in Monmouth, is the perfect venue for this type of small theater experience, with its majestic interior design, excellent acoustics and intimate feel.

Anyone who enjoys the poetic brilliance of Shakespeare and the intimacy of local theater will enjoy this performance. Luckily, the production has two more shows this weekend, on Friday, February 16, at 6:30 p.m., and a final afternoon show on Saturday, February 17, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $8 and available for purchase at the door or online at smashmaine.jimdofree.com/tickets/.

Cumston Hall is located at 796 Main Street, in Monmouth.

(contributed photo)